LEGAZPI CITY – Search and rescue operations are ongoing for two fishermen who were reported missing in the Province of Catanduanes after their boat capsized Tuesday evening.

This developed as tropical depression “Ramil” maintained its strength on its continued exit trajectory over the West Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, said.

The weather disturbance is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Thursday night or Friday morning.

In general terms, the Northeast Monsoon is affecting Northern Luzon.

Moderate to occasional heavy rains are expected over the provinces of Mindoro, Palawan, Batangas, northern Quezon, including Polillo Island and Aurora. Residents in these areas are alerted against possible floods and landslides.

In the Bicol Region, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Claudio Yucot, quoting a report from the disaster council in Bato, Catanduanes, identified the two fishermen as Allan and Albert, both surnamed Pantino, residents of Barangay Pinanaogan, Bato town in Catanduanes.

The two were among a group of fishermen who ventured out to sea onboard seven small boats around 11:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Two boats reportedly capsized due to big waves but the passengers of one were rescued while the two fishermen onboard the other boat went missing.

Meanwhile, another OCD report said incidences of flooding due to heavy rains were reported on Tuesday in villages in the towns of Baao, Garchitorena, Balatan, Caramoan, Lagonoy and Iriga City, all in Camarines Sur.

In Camarines Norte, floods and landslide were reported in the towns of Labo and Mercedes. A total of 13 families or 59 persons were evacuated to two temporary shelters.